Silver Spring, MD — The People’s Republic of Capitalism, Ted Koppel’s revealing, four-part look at U.S.-China economic ties; arrives on Blu-ray and standard DVD from Athena on June 2, 2009. A year in the making, legendary reporter Koppel probes U.S. and China’s complicated relationship with his signature insight and flair. Bonus features include an EXCLUSIVE interview with Koppel, a 20-page viewer’s guide, and exclusive extras that take the educational experience beyond the screen. Broadcast on the Discovery Channel, The People’s Republic of Capitalism (2-volume, Blu-ray $49.99, standard DVD $39.99, www.AcornOnline.com) is one of the first releases in the Athena line, Acorn Media Group’s new home video brand for consumers interested in lifelong learning through documentary programming.

In his in-depth documentary, Koppel examines China’s new status as an economic superpower and its complex relationship with the United States. He focuses on Chongqing—a city in Sichuan Province with a burgeoning population and big plans for the future. While peasants in outlying areas eke out a meager living, the rising middle class revels in new riches, challenging traditional ideas about religion, sexuality, and consumerism. All this reverberates here in America, where companies scramble for cheap labor, workers find jobs shipped overseas, and shoppers snap up Chinese-made goods at big box retailers.

Interviews with captains of industry and assembly line workers—as well as peasant farmers, miners, artists, and students—paint a detailed picture of modern China unlike anything most viewers have ever seen. Along the way, the documentary provides surprising perspectives on a country fast becoming America’s greatest economic rival and biggest business partner.

The People’s Republic of Capitalism broadcast on the Discovery Channel in 2008 as part of the series Koppel on Discovery.

An inductee in the Broadcasting Hall of Fame, Ted Koppel has earned 42 Emmys®, eight Peabodys, and numerous other awards in his decades of broadcast reporting. For 25 years, he served as anchor and managing editor of ABC’s Nightline, network television’s first late-night news program.

Special Features: Exclusive interview with Ted Koppel; 20-page viewer’s guide with highlights, questions to consider, avenues for further learning; and exclusive web extras.

Athena releases provide an authoritative and entertaining learning experience through high quality, informative, non-fiction programming. Athena’s other debut releases are The Adventure of English, Playing Shakespeare, and Every Picture Tells a Story. Special web content for every Athena release will be available at www.athenalearning.com. Athena’s DVD sets are available from select retailers, catalog companies, and direct from Acorn at (888) 870-8047 or www.acornonline.com.